US6312090B1 - Ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer - Google Patents

Ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer Download PDF

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Publication number
US6312090B1
US6312090B1 US09/221,241 US22124198A US6312090B1 US 6312090 B1 US6312090 B1 US 6312090B1 US 22124198 A US22124198 A US 22124198A US 6312090 B1 US6312090 B1 US 6312090B1
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United States
Prior art keywords
passageway
print head
cleaning
contaminant
solvent
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US09/221,241
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English (en)
Inventor
Todd R. Griffin
Charles F. Faisst, Jr.
Ravi Sharma
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Eastman Kodak Co
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Eastman Kodak Co
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Priority to DE69929850T priority patent/DE69929850T2/de
Priority to EP99204199A priority patent/EP1016528B1/fr
Priority to JP11373737A priority patent/JP2000198214A/ja
Priority to US09/736,089 priority patent/US6511151B1/en
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Assigned to CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC., AS AGENT reassignment CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC., AS AGENT SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, PAKON, INC.
Assigned to WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS AGENT reassignment WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS AGENT PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, PAKON, INC.
Assigned to BARCLAYS BANK PLC, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment BARCLAYS BANK PLC, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT (SECOND LIEN) Assignors: CREO MANUFACTURING AMERICA LLC, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT LTD., FPC INC., KODAK (NEAR EAST), INC., KODAK AMERICAS, LTD., KODAK AVIATION LEASING LLC, KODAK IMAGING NETWORK, INC., KODAK PHILIPPINES, LTD., KODAK PORTUGUESA LIMITED, KODAK REALTY, INC., LASER-PACIFIC MEDIA CORPORATION, NPEC INC., PAKON, INC., QUALEX INC.
Assigned to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE reassignment JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT (FIRST LIEN) Assignors: CREO MANUFACTURING AMERICA LLC, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT LTD., FPC INC., KODAK (NEAR EAST), INC., KODAK AMERICAS, LTD., KODAK AVIATION LEASING LLC, KODAK IMAGING NETWORK, INC., KODAK PHILIPPINES, LTD., KODAK PORTUGUESA LIMITED, KODAK REALTY, INC., LASER-PACIFIC MEDIA CORPORATION, NPEC INC., PAKON, INC., QUALEX INC.
Assigned to BANK OF AMERICA N.A., AS AGENT reassignment BANK OF AMERICA N.A., AS AGENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT (ABL) Assignors: CREO MANUFACTURING AMERICA LLC, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT LTD., FPC INC., KODAK (NEAR EAST), INC., KODAK AMERICAS, LTD., KODAK AVIATION LEASING LLC, KODAK IMAGING NETWORK, INC., KODAK PHILIPPINES, LTD., KODAK PORTUGUESA LIMITED, KODAK REALTY, INC., LASER-PACIFIC MEDIA CORPORATION, NPEC INC., PAKON, INC., QUALEX INC.
Assigned to EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, PAKON, INC. reassignment EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Assignors: CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC., AS SENIOR DIP AGENT, WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS JUNIOR DIP AGENT
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Assigned to KODAK (NEAR EAST), INC., KODAK IMAGING NETWORK, INC., FPC, INC., QUALEX, INC., PAKON, INC., CREO MANUFACTURING AMERICA LLC, NPEC, INC., EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, KODAK REALTY, INC., KODAK AMERICAS, LTD., KODAK PHILIPPINES, LTD., FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT LTD., KODAK PORTUGUESA LIMITED, KODAK AVIATION LEASING LLC, LASER PACIFIC MEDIA CORPORATION reassignment KODAK (NEAR EAST), INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Assigned to KODAK REALTY INC., KODAK AMERICAS LTD., FPC INC., LASER PACIFIC MEDIA CORPORATION, FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT LTD., KODAK (NEAR EAST) INC., QUALEX INC., EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, KODAK PHILIPPINES LTD., NPEC INC. reassignment KODAK REALTY INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BARCLAYS BANK PLC
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16552—Cleaning of print head nozzles using cleaning fluids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/02—Platens
    • B41J11/04—Roller platens
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16585—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles for paper-width or non-reciprocating print heads

Definitions

  • This invention generally relates to ink jet printer apparatus and methods and more particularly relates to an ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism, and method of assembling the printer.
  • An ink jet printer produces images on a receiver by ejecting ink droplets onto the receiver in an imagewise fashion.
  • the advantages of non-impact, low-noise, low energy use, and low cost operation in addition to the capability of the printer to print on plain paper are largely responsible for the wide acceptance of ink jet printers in the marketplace.
  • continuous ink jet printers utilize electrostatic charging tunnels placed close to the point where ink droplets are being ejected in the form of a stream. Selected ones of the droplets are electrically charged by the charging tunnels. The charged droplets are deflected downstream by the presence of deflector plates that have a predetermined electric potential difference between them. A gutter may be used to intercept the charged droplets, while the uncharged droplets are free to strike the recording medium.
  • a pressurization actuator is used to produce the ink jet droplet.
  • either one of two types of actuators may be used.
  • These two types of actuators are heat actuators and piezoelectric actuators.
  • heat actuators a heater placed at a convenient location heats the ink and a quantity of the ink will phase change into a gaseous steam bubble and raise the internal ink pressure sufficiently for an ink droplet to be expelled to the recording medium.
  • piezoelectric actuators a piezoelectric material is used, which piezoelectric material possess piezoelectric properties such that an electric field is produced when a mechanical stress is applied.
  • Inks for high speed ink jet printers whether of the “continuous” or “piezoelectric” type, have a number of special characteristics.
  • the ink should incorporate a nondrying characteristic, so that drying of ink in the ink ejection chamber is hindered or slowed to such a state that by occasional spitting of ink droplets, the cavities and corresponding orifices are kept open.
  • the addition of glycol facilitates free flow of ink through the ink jet chamber.
  • inks used in ink jet printers can be said to have the following problems: the inks tend to dry-out in and around the orifices resulting in clogging of the orifices; the wiping of the orifice plate causes wear on plate and wiper and the wiper itself produces particles that clog the orifice; cleaning cycles are time consuming and slow productivity of ink jet printers.
  • printing rate declines in large format printing where frequent cleaning cycles interrupt the printing of an image. Printing rate also declines in the case when a special printing pattern is initiated to compensate for plugged or badly performing orifices.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling same, which cleaning mechanism simultaneously cleans a surface of a print head belonging to the printer as the cleaning mechanism cleans ink channels formed in the print head.
  • an ink jet printer comprising: a print head having a surface thereon and an ink channel therein; and a cleaning mechanism associated with said print head and adapted to simultaneously clean contaminant from the surface and the ink channel, said cleaning mechanism including a wiper having a plurality of wicking channels therein alignable with the surface, the wicking channels communicating with a passageway formed in said cleaning mechanism.
  • an ink jet printer comprises a print head having a surface thereon surrounding a plurality of ink ejection orifices.
  • the orifices are in communication with respective ones of a plurality of ink channels formed in the print head.
  • a solvent delivering wiper has a plurality of internal passageways formed therethrough alignable with the surface. The passageways deliver a liquid solvent cleaning agent to the surface to flush contaminant from the surface. In this manner, contaminant residing on the surface is entrained in the solvent while the wiper flushes contaminant from the surface.
  • the solvent delivering wiper has a second passageway formed therethrough alignable with the surface. The wiper vacuums solvent and entrained contaminant from the surface.
  • wicking channels or groves are provided on the bevel edge of the wiper blade.
  • a piping circuit is provided for filtering the particulate matter from the solvent and for recirculating clean solvent to the surface of the print head.
  • a translation mechanism is connected to the wiper for translating the wiper across the print head surface.
  • the translation mechanism may comprise a lead-screw threadably engaging the wiper.
  • a displacement mechanism is connected to the wiper for displacing the wiper to a position proximate the surface of the print head to enable cleaning of the ink channels and the surface of the print head.
  • a feature of the present invention is the provision of a cleaning mechanism associated with the print head, which cleaning mechanism is adapted to simultaneously clean contaminant from the print head surface and ink channels.
  • An advantage of the present invention is that cleaning time is reduced because the print head surface and ink channels are cleaned simultaneously.
  • FIG. 1 is a view in plan of a first embodiment ink jet printer, the printer having a reciprocating print head and a pivotable platen roller disposed adjacent the print head;
  • FIG. 2 is a view in plan of the first embodiment of the printer showing the pivotable platen roller pivoting in an arc outwardly from the print head;
  • FIG. 3 is a view taken along section line 3 — 3 of FIG. 1, this view showing a cleaning mechanism poised to move to a position adjacent the print head to clean the print head;
  • FIG. 4 is a view in partial elevation of the print head and adjacent platen roller
  • FIG. 5 is a view in elevation of the first embodiment printer, this view showing the cleaning mechanism having been moved into position to clean the print head;
  • FIG. 6 is a view in perspective of a first embodiment cleaning wiper blade belonging to the cleaning mechanism, the first embodiment cleaning wiper blade here shown cleaning the print head;
  • FIG. 7 is a view in perspective of the cleaning wiper blade with integrated solvent delivery and suction capability
  • FIG. 8A is a view in vertical section of the first embodiment cleaning wiper blade while the first embodiment cleaning wiper blade cleans the print head;
  • FIG. 8B is a view in vertical section of a second embodiment cleaning wiper blade while the second embodiment cleaning wiper blade cleans the print head;
  • FIG. 9 is a view in elevation of a second embodiment ink jet printer, this view showing the cleaning mechanism disposed in an upright position and poised to move to a location adjacent the print head to clean the print head, which print head is capable of being pivoted into an upright position;
  • FIG. 10 is a view in elevation of the second embodiment printer, this view showing the cleaning mechanism having been moved into position to clean the print head not pivoted into an upright position;
  • FIG. 11 is a view in elevation of a third embodiment ink jet printer, this view showing the print head pivoted into an upright position and poised to move to a location adjacent the upright cleaning mechanism to clean the print head;
  • FIG. 12 is a view in elevation of the third embodiment printer, this view showing the print head having been moved into position to clean the print head;
  • FIG. 13 it a view in elevation of a fourth embodiment ink jet printer, this view showing the print head in a horizontal position and poised to move laterally to a location adjacent the cleaning mechanism to clean the print head;
  • FIG. 14 is a view in elevation of the fourth embodiment printer, this view showing the/mint head having been moved into position to clean the print head;
  • FIG. 15 is a view in plan of a fifth embodiment ink jet printer, the printer having a non-reciprocating “page-width” print head;
  • FIG. 16 is a view taken along section line 16 — 16 of FIG. 15, this view showing the print head in a horizontal position and poised to move laterally to a location adjacent the cleaning mechanism to clean the print head;
  • FIG. 17 is a view in elevation of the fifth embodiment printer, this view showing the print head having been moved into position to clean the print head.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a first embodiment ink jet printer, generally referred to as 10 , for printing an image 20 (shown in phantom) on a receiver 30 (also shown in phantom), which may be a reflective-type receiver (e.g., paper) or a transmissive-type receiver (e.g., transparency).
  • Receiver 30 is supported on a platen roller 40 capable of being rotated by a platen roller motor 50 engaging platen roller 40 .
  • platen roller motor 50 rotates platen roller 40
  • receiver 30 will advance in a direction illustrated by a first arrow 55 .
  • Platen roller 40 is adapted to pivot outwardly about a pivot shaft 57 along an arc 59 for reasons disclosed hereinbelow. Many designs for feeding paper for printing are possible.
  • Another mechanism utilizes a first set of feed rollers to dispose receiver onto a plate for printing. A second set of feed rollers remove the receiver when printing is completed.
  • printer 10 also comprises a reciprocating print head 60 disposed adjacent to platen roller 40 .
  • Print head 60 includes a plurality of ink channels 70 formed therein (only six of which are shown), each channel 70 terminating in a channel outlet 75 .
  • each channel 70 which is adapted to hold an ink body 77 therein, is defined by a pair of oppositely disposed parallel side walls 79 a and 79 b .
  • Print head 60 may further include a cover plate 80 having a plurality of orifices 90 formed therethrough colinearly aligned with respective ones of channel outlets 75 , such that each orifice 90 faces receiver 30 .
  • print head 60 may be a “piezoelectric ink jet” print head formed of a piezoelectric material, such as lead zirconium titanate (PZT).
  • PZT lead zirconium titanate
  • Such a piezoelectric material is mechanically responsive to electrical stimuli so that side walls 79 a/b simultaneously inwardly deform when electrically stimulated.
  • volume of channel 70 decreases to squeeze ink droplet 100 from channel 70 and through orifice 90 .
  • a transport mechanism is connected to print head 60 for reciprocating print head 60 between a first position 115 a thereof and a second position 115 b (shown in phantom).
  • transport mechanism 110 reciprocates print head 60 in direction of a second arrow 117 .
  • Print head 60 slidably engages an elongate guide rail 120 , which guides print head 60 parallel to platen roller 40 while print head 60 is reciprocated.
  • Transport mechanism 110 also comprises a drive belt 130 attached to print head 60 for reciprocating print head 60 between first position 115 a and second position 115 b , as described presently.
  • a reversible drive belt motor 140 engages belt 130 , such that belt 130 reciprocates in order that print head 60 reciprocates with respect to platen 40 .
  • an encoder strip 150 coupled to print head 60 monitors position of print head 60 as print head 60 reciprocates between first position 115 a and second position 115 b .
  • a controller 160 is connected to platen roller motor 50 , drive belt motor 140 , encoder strip 150 and print head 60 for controlling operation thereof to suitably form image 20 on receiver 30 .
  • a controller may be a Model CompuMotor controller available from Parker Hannifin, Incorporated located in Rohnert Park, Calif.
  • surface 95 may have contaminant thereon, such as particulate matter 165 .
  • particulate matter 165 also may partially or completely obstruct orifice 90 .
  • Particulate matter 165 may be, for example, particles of dirt, dust, metal and/or encrustations of dried ink.
  • the contaminant may also be an unwanted film (e.g., grease, oxide, or the like).
  • an unwanted film e.g., grease, oxide, or the like.
  • flight of ink droplet 105 may be diverted from preferred axis 105 to travel along a non-preferred axis 167 (as shown). If ink droplet 100 travels along non-preferred axis 167 , ink droplet 100 will land on receiver 30 in an unintended location. In this manner, such complete or partial obstruction of orifice 90 leads to printing artifacts such as “banding” a highly undesirable result. Also, presence of particulate matter 165 on surface 95 may alter surface wetting and inhibit proper formation of droplet 100 . Therefore, it is desirable to clean (i.e., remove) particulate matter 165 to avoid printing artifacts and improper formation of droplet 100 .
  • first embodiment cleaning mechanism 170 includes a solvent delivering wiper 210 .
  • Wiper 210 has a first set of multiple internal passageways 220 formed therethrough.
  • Solvent delivering wiper 210 is oriented with respect to surface 95 such that first passageways 220 are alignable with surface 95 for reasons disclosed presently.
  • first passageways 220 are alignable with surface 95 for delivering a liquid solvent cleaning agent to surface 95 in order to flush particulate matter 165 from surface 95 (as shown).
  • particulate matter 165 will be entrained in the solvent as the solvent flushes particulate matter 165 from surface 95 .
  • Wiper 210 may also include a blade portion 225 integrally formed therewith for lifting contaminant 165 from surface 95 as cleaning wiper blade 210 traverses surface 95 in direction of a third arrow 227 . It may be understood wicking channels 230 and a second set of multiple internal passageways 240 in combination with vacuum pump 290 co-act to remove solvent and particulate matter 165 which may have been left by blade portion 225 as blade portion 225 traverses surface 95 (as shown).
  • wicking channels 230 will be aligned with orifices 90 so that solvent and contaminant 165 residing in and around orifices 90 will be vacuumed into internal passageways 240 due to suction created by vacuum pump 290 .
  • FIG. 8A shows the cleaning wiper blade 210 in a scraping mode defined as having an angle ⁇ less than 90 degrees.
  • FIG. 8B shows the cleaning wiper blade 210 in a wiping mode defined as having an angle ⁇ greater than 90 degrees.
  • piping circuit 250 includes a first piping segment 260 coupled to first passageway 220 formed through wiper 210 .
  • a discharge pump 270 is connected to first piping segment 260 for discharging the solvent into first piping segment 260 .
  • the solvent discharges into first set of passageways 220 formed within the wiper 210 and onto surface 95 while discharge pump 270 discharges the solvent into first piping segment 260 .
  • the solvent discharged onto surface 95 is chosen such that the solvent also, at least in part, acts as lubricant to lubricate surface 95 .
  • a second piping segment 280 is coupled to a second set of passageways 240 formed within the wiper 210 .
  • a vacuum pump 290 is connected to second piping segment 280 for inducing negative pressure (i.e., pressure less than atmospheric pressure) in second piping segment 280 .
  • negative pressure is induced in second set of passageways 240 and in second piping segment 280 .
  • the solvent and entrained particulate matter 165 are vacuumed from surface 95 to enter second set of passageways 240 .
  • first piping segment 260 interposed between first piping segment 260 and second piping segment 280 is a solvent supply reservoir 300 having a supply of the solvent therein.
  • Discharge pump 270 which is connected to first piping segment 260 , draws the solvent from reservoir 300 and discharges the solvent into first passageways 220 by means of first piping circuit 260 .
  • first piping circuit 260 extends from wiper 210 to reservoir 300 .
  • vacuum pump 290 which is connected to second piping segment 280 , pumps the solvent and particulate matter 165 from print head surface 95 toward reservoir 300 .
  • circuit 250 defines a recirculation loop for recirculating contaminant-free solvent across surface 95 to efficiently clean surface 95 .
  • first segment 260 connected to first segment 260 is a first valve 314 , which first valve 314 is interposed between wiper 210 and discharge pump 270 .
  • first valve 314 and second valve 316 are interposed between reservoir 300 and vacuum pump 290 .
  • first valve 314 and second valve 316 allow cleaning mechanism 170 to be easily taken out-of service for maintenance.
  • discharge pump 270 is shut-off and first valve 314 is closed.
  • Vacuum pump 290 is operated until solvent and particulate matter are substantially evacuated from second piping segment 280 .
  • second valve 316 is closed and vacuum pump 290 is shut-off.
  • saturated filter 310 is replaced with a clean filter 310 .
  • cleaning mechanism 170 is returned to service substantially in reverse to steps used to take cleaning mechanism 170 out-of service.
  • a translation mechanism is connected to cleaning wiper blade 210 for translating cleaning wiper blade 210 across surface 95 of print head 60 .
  • translation mechanism 320 comprises an elongate externally threaded lead-screw 330 threadably engaging cleaning wiper blade 210 .
  • Engaging lead-screw 330 is a motor 340 capable of rotating lead-screw 330 , so that cleaning wiper blade 210 traverses surface 95 as lead-screw 330 rotates.
  • cleaning wiper blade 210 traverses surface 95 in direction of a fourth arrow 345 .
  • cleaning wiper blade 210 is capable of being translated to any location on lead-screw 330 , which preferably extends the length of guide rail 120 . Being able to translate cleaning wiper blade 210 to any location on lead-screw 330 allows cleaning wiper blade 210 to clean print head 60 wherever print head 60 is located on guide rail 120 .
  • a displacement mechanism 350 for displacing cleaning wiper blade 210 to a position proximate surface 95 of print head 60 .
  • platen roller 40 is disposed adjacent to print head 60 and, unless appropriate steps are taken, will interfere with displacing cleaning wiper blade 210 to a position proximate surface 95 . Therefore, it is desirable to move platen roller 40 out of interference with cleaning wiper blade 210 , so that cleaning wiper blade 210 can be displaced proximate surface 95 . Therefore, according to the first embodiment of printer 10 , platen roller 40 is pivoted outwardly about previously mentioned pivot shaft 57 along arc 59 . After platen roller 40 has been pivoted, displacement mechanism 350 is operated to displace cleaning wiper blade 210 to a position proximate surface 95 to begin removal of particulate matter 165 from ink channel 70 and surface 95 .
  • Second embodiment ink jet printer 360 is substantially similar to first embodiment ink jet printer 10 , except that platen roller 40 is fixed (i.e., non-pivoting). Also, according to this second embodiment printer, print head 60 pivots about a pivot pin 370 to an upright position (as shown). Moreover, cleaning mechanism 170 is oriented in an upright position (as shown) and displacement mechanism 350 displaces cleaning wiper blade 210 , so that cleaning wiper blade is moved to a location proximate surface 95 .
  • Third embodiment ink jet printer 400 capable of simultaneously removing particulate matter 165 from ink channel 70 and surface 95 .
  • Third embodiment ink jet printer 400 is substantially similar to first embodiment ink jet printer 10 , except that platen roller 40 is fixed (i.e., non-pivoting).
  • print head 60 pivots about pivot pin 370 to an upright position (as shown) and displacement mechanism 350 displaces printer 400 (except for platen roller 40 ), so that printer 400 is moved to a location proximate cleaning mechanism 170 .
  • cleaning mechanism 170 is oriented in a fixed upright position (as shown).
  • FIGS. 13 and 14 there is shown a fourth embodiment ink jet printer 410 capable of simultaneously removing particulate matter 165 from ink channel 70 and surface 95 .
  • Fourth embodiment ink jet printer 410 is substantially similar to first embodiment ink jet printer 10 , except that platen roller 40 is fixed (i.e., non-pivoting) and cleaning assembly 170 is off-set from an end portion of platen roller 40 by a distance “X”. Also, according to this third embodiment printer, displacement mechanism 350 displaces printer 410 (except for platen roller 40 ), so that printer 410 is moved to a location proximate cleaning mechanism 170 .
  • Second printer 400 is a so-called “page-width” printer capable of printing across width W of receiver 30 without reciprocating across width W. That is, printer 420 comprises print head 60 of length substantially equal to width W. Connected to print head 60 is a carriage 430 adapted to carry print head 60 in direction of first arrow 55 . In this regard, carriage 430 slidably engages an elongate slide member 440 extending parallel to receiver 30 in direction of first arrow 55 .
  • a print head drive motor 450 is connected to carriage 430 for operating carriage 430 , so that carriage 430 slides along slide member 440 in direction of first arrow 55 .
  • print head 60 also travels in direction of first arrow 55 because print head 60 is connected to carriage 430 .
  • print head 60 is capable of printing a plurality of images 20 (as shown) in a single printing pass along length of receiver 30 .
  • a first feed roller 460 engages receiver 30 for feeding receiver 30 in direction of first arrow 55 after all images 20 have been printed.
  • a first feed roller motor 470 engages first feed roller 460 for rotating first feed roller 460 , so that receiver 30 feeds in direction of first arrow 55 .
  • a second feed roller 480 spaced-apart from first feed roller 460 , may also engage receiver 30 for feeding receiver 30 in direction of first arrow 55 .
  • a second feed roller motor 490 synchronized with first feed roller motor 470 , engages second feed roller 480 for rotating second feed roller 480 , so that receiver smoothly feeds in direction of first arrow 55 .
  • first feed roller 460 and second feed roller 480 Interposed between first feed roller 460 and second feed roller 480 is a support member, such as a stationary flat platen 500 , for supporting receiver 30 thereon as receiver feeds from first feed roller 460 to second feed roller 480 .
  • controller 160 is connected to print head 60 , print head drive motor 450 , first feed roller motor 470 and second feed roller motor 490 for controlling operation thereof in order to suitably form images 20 on receiver 30 .
  • displacement mechanism 350 displaces printer 410 (except for feed rollers 460 / 480 and platen 500 ), so that printer 410 is moved to a location proximate cleaning mechanism 170 .
  • the solvent cleaning agent mentioned hereinabove may be any suitable liquid solvent composition, such as water, isopropanol, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, octane, acids and bases, surfactant solutions and any combination thereof.
  • suitable liquid solvent compositions such as water, isopropanol, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, octane, acids and bases, surfactant solutions and any combination thereof.
  • Complex liquid compositions may also be used, such as microemulsions, micellar surfactant solutions, vesicles and solid particles dispersed in the liquid.
  • an advantage of the present invention is that cleaning time is reduced. This is so because surface 95 of print head 60 is cleaned of contaminant simultaneously with cleaning ink channels 70 formed in the print head 60 .
  • displacement mechanism 350 may be foldable to the upright position from a substantially horizontal position. This configuration of the invention will minimize the external envelope of printer 360 when print head 60 is not being cleaned by cleaning mechanism 170 , so that printer 360 can be located in a confined space with limited headroom.
  • an ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer, which cleaning mechanism is capable of simultaneously cleaning the print head surface and ink channels.

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  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
US09/221,241 1998-12-28 1998-12-28 Ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer Expired - Lifetime US6312090B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/221,241 US6312090B1 (en) 1998-12-28 1998-12-28 Ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer
DE69929850T DE69929850T2 (de) 1998-12-28 1999-12-08 Tintenstrahldrucker mit einem messerartigen Reinigungsmechanismus und Verfahren zum Montieren des Druckers
EP99204199A EP1016528B1 (fr) 1998-12-28 1999-12-08 Imprimante à jet d'encre avec mécanisme de nettoyage à balai d'essuyage et procédé d'assemblage de l'imprimante
JP11373737A JP2000198214A (ja) 1998-12-28 1999-12-28 洗浄機構付きインクジェットプリンタ及びその組立て方法
US09/736,089 US6511151B1 (en) 1998-12-28 2000-12-13 Ink jet printer and cleaning blade and method of cleaning

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/221,241 US6312090B1 (en) 1998-12-28 1998-12-28 Ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer

Related Child Applications (1)

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US10603917B2 (en) 2017-08-31 2020-03-31 Entrust Datacard Corporation Drop-on-demand print head cleaning mechanism and method
CN111674158A (zh) * 2019-03-11 2020-09-18 三星显示有限公司 喷墨头清洁装置、喷墨头清洁方法及基板处理方法
KR20210071978A (ko) * 2018-09-04 2021-06-16 프로토타입 앤드 프로덕션 시스템스, 인코포레이티드 프린트 모듈을 위한 이동식 프린트헤드 클리너
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US11119437B2 (en) 2018-08-07 2021-09-14 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Determining cleaning fluid thickness
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US7993466B2 (en) * 2001-11-30 2011-08-09 Gemalto Sa Material jet spray head cleaning
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US11135775B2 (en) 2017-01-31 2021-10-05 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Printhead cleaning system
US10603917B2 (en) 2017-08-31 2020-03-31 Entrust Datacard Corporation Drop-on-demand print head cleaning mechanism and method
US11077665B2 (en) 2017-08-31 2021-08-03 Entrust Corporation Drop-on-demand print head cleaning mechanism and method
US11072169B2 (en) 2018-05-11 2021-07-27 Entrust Corporation Card processing system with drop-on-demand print head automated maintenance routines
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KR20210071978A (ko) * 2018-09-04 2021-06-16 프로토타입 앤드 프로덕션 시스템스, 인코포레이티드 프린트 모듈을 위한 이동식 프린트헤드 클리너
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CN111674158B (zh) * 2019-03-11 2023-12-12 三星显示有限公司 喷墨头清洁装置、喷墨头清洁方法及基板处理方法

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US6511151B1 (en) 2003-01-28
DE69929850D1 (de) 2006-04-20

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